Juliana Schmidt Netys was born August 7, 1928, the daughter of Johan Schmidt and Marija (Schoh) Schmidt in Rajevo Selo, Croatia. She went home to Jesus April 14, 2018 in Osceola WI.
Juliana along with her father, mother and sister left their home with only the belongings they could load in their wagon on October 16, 1944. They made the long trek through the forest via convoy to Austria Newmark Kalham arriving November 10, 1944. Finally, after not being able to find housing, they arrived in Lochen Austria. There she met her husband, Gregor Netys Sr. They were married November 6, 1948 in Lochen, Austria. Gregor Sr. preceded her in death December 27, 2005. In July, 1949 they welcomed their son, Gregor Netys Jr. Yearning for a better life, they boarded the displaced persons ship with $5.00 in their pocket, one year old child and only the belongings they could carry in August 1950 bound for the United States. They spent their first six weeks in America working on a ranch near Silver City, New Mexico. Deciding that this was not the life that they intended, they boarded the train for Chicago to live with people that had come to the United States before them. They found housing and Gregor started working for Radio Flyer Co. and Juliana worked as a custodian. With Gregor being the great saver that he was and both working, they saved enough money for a down-payment for their dream, a country farm. They searched for the right piece of property and finally found it on Haase Rd. in Waupaca, WI. On April 16, 1954 they bought the farm and celebrated Easter Sunday the following day. They welcomed their daughter Maria in March 1958. With much excitement they became proud citizens of the United States in 1961. Their sponsors were dear friends Irving and Inga Peterson. They farmed their beloved land until retirement in 1976. They purchased a second piece of property and built their retirement home. They lived on Haase Rd, until the death of Gregor Sr. in 2005.
Juliana is survived by her son Gregor Netys Jr. (Susan) and daughter Maria Belke (William). She is the much loved Grandmother to Anna Netys, Aleena Volz (Lloyd), Michael Johan Netys (Hollee), Adam Francis Netys (Sarah), Gregor C. Netys; step-granddaughter Victoria Joy Weiser. She is the adored Oma of Jordon Lucas (Vincent), Juliana, Ethan and Gwendolyn Volz, Hanah and Jack Netys and Jarod Netys; Sstep-great-granddaughter, Evelyn Engedal. Juliana is further survived by a very special niece, Adelheid Rodriguez and many other wonderful nieces and nephews. Many of which are scattered over the world but were always in her heart.
Funeral services will be held Friday, April 27 at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, Waupaca with Father Amalraj Roche presiding. Visitation will be on Friday morning from 9:30 – 11 with Mass at 11 a.m. and burial immediately following in the parish cemetery.
We would like to thank all the wonderful people at Community Christian Home in Osceola, WI for all their wonderful care and kindness extended to Juliana while she was in residence there.
Juliana was a strong woman that was much loved and will be missed. We will always remember her cooking, hugs and kisses. Zivila Jula. Holly Funeral Home in Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements.